Please read the placement policy of this department before enrolling in your first German class at USD or elsewhere.
Courses
GERM 101
First Semester German
Units: 3 TO 4
Introductory course to German life, language, and essentials of basic grammar with stress upon pronunciation, reading, and oral comprehension. Prerequisite: Placement Exam or Waiver of Placement (see website). Every Fall.
GERM 102
Second Semester German
Units: 3
A continuation on the basis of GERM 101 with emphasis on reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, and elementary conversation. Prerequisite: GERM 101 or equivalent, or Placement Exam. Every Spring.
GERM 140
German Literature and Culture in Translation
Units: 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in German literature and culture. This course is taught in English and satisfies the Core requirement for Literary Inquiry.
GERM 141
Topics in German Literature, Film or Culture-Domestic Focus
Units: 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in German literature, film and/or culture with a Domestic Focus. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
GERM 142
Topics in German Literature, Film or Culture-Global Focus
Units: 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in German literature, film and/or culture with a Global Focus. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
GERM 194
Special Topics in German
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in German literature and culture. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
GERM 201
Third Semester German
Units: 3
Completes the introduction of the basic structures of the language, with continuing emphasis on communicative proficiency. At this level students are encouraged to participate in community service-learning and/or cultural activities within the German-speaking community. This course is also offered in the summer in Europe (see below). Prerequisite: GERM 102 or equivalent or Placement Exam. Every Fall.Also offered as THIRD SEMESTER GERMAN IN EUROPE: Intensive summer course in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland conducted by a USD faculty member. Direct immersion in the life and culture of German-speaking people. See course description above. The university reserves the right to cancel this course if minimum enrollment is not met, or for any other reason. Prerequisite: GERM 102 or equivalent or Placement Exam. Every Fall.
GERM 202
Fourth Semester German
Units: 3
Oral and written practice of idiomatic expression and syntax. Emphasis on accuracy and fluency reinforced through readings of short stories and essay writing, as well as conversations dealing with German life and culture. Prerequisites: GERM 201 with grade of C- or better or equivalent or Placement Exam. Every Spring.
GERM 230
Intermediate Conversation
Units: 3
Intensive drill in spoken German based on assigned topics. This course does not count toward the German minor, but does count as elective lower-division units toward graduation. Prerequisite: GERM 201 or 202 or equivalent.
GERM 294
Special Topics in German
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the lower-division level of a special topic in language, literature, or culture. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or approval of the instructor
GERM 299
Independent Study
Units: 3
Independent study at the lower-division level. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor, chair, and dean.
GERM 301
Writing and Composition in German
Units: 3
Focus on the development of reading and writing skills in German through the analysis of authentic texts, the practice of various modes of written expression, and grammar review. Prerequisite: GERM 202 with a grade of C- or better, or equivalent.
GERM 302
Readings in German Literature
Units: 3
Assigned readings in modern literature; class reports and essays on literary topics of prose and poetry. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or equivalent.
GERM 303
Cultural Backgrounds of German Civilization
Units: 3
Survey of the historical, social, cultural, and artistic evolution of German from the origins to the present. Survey of modern life and geography in Germany. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or equivalent.
GERM 304
Commercial Correspondence and Advanced Business German
Units: 3
Oral and written Geschäftsdeutsch with special attention to accurate and idiomatic expressions used in economics, business, professional, and technical fields with an insight into Germany’s place in the European Union and the world market. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or equivalent.
GERM 312
German Literature from 1900 to the Present
Units: 3
A survey of German literature from 1900 to the present. Important movements, authors, and works in German literature since the turn of the century. Prerequisite: GERM 301 or equivalent.
GERM 315
L2 Teaching Methodologies and Applied Linguistics
Units: 3
An introduction to the history of second language teaching methods, applied linguistics, and the fundamentals of second language teaching. Initial training in the skills needed to be a second language teacher. Prerequisites: GERM 301, or equivalent, or approval of the instructor.
GERM 340
Topics in Literature, Film and Culture
Units: 3
Study of special topics in German-language literatures, films and cultures that meets the Literary Inquiry core requirement. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. Prerequisites: GERM 202 or upper-division placement.
GERM 394
Special Topics in German
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the third-year level of a special topic in language, literature, or culture. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or approval of the instructor
GERM 493
Field Experience
Units: 1 TO 3
Placement in a community agency where advanced German language skills will be utilized. Elective credit only (does not count toward the minor). Prerequisites: Junior or senior class standing and approval of the department chair.
GERM 494
Special Topics in German
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at an advanced level of major topics of German literature, such as Medieval authors, Renaissance and Baroque masterworks, masterpieces of the Age of Enlightenment, the period of Storm and Stress, Classic and Romantic, Realism, Naturalism, and Modern works of the 20th century; themes, authors, genres. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisites: GERM 302 or equivalent
GERM 499
Independent Study
Units: 1 TO 3
A program arranged between the advanced student and the instructor to provide intensive study in a particular area of interest. Extensive reading and consultation are required, as well as preparation of reports to be assigned by the instructor. A maximum of three units may be applied toward the minor. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor and the department chair. May be taken for credit each time topic changes.